Authentic Native American, handmade, Cedar Juniper Berry seed and tiered gemstone necklace. Cedar beads, colorful glass seed beads (size 11/0), round silver beads (6mm) and a gemstone bead are strung with jewelry wire and closed with lobster claw clasp. Jumpers are soldered closed. Navajo legend says Cedar beads, also known as "Ghost Beads," will keep evil spirits and bad dreams away. For example, it is customary for Navajo mothers to place strung cedar beads on/near their traditional cradle boards used by their infants. By season, Navajo and Ute Indians harvest cedar seeds in the southwestern U.S.A. which is a long and arduous process. The season's yield depends on the amount of rainfall received during the year. The Indians carefully select the seeds which have had their core previously eaten by ants which is evidenced by a single hole in the seed. The Indians clean the hallow seeds and puncture it to form the second hole, thereby creating a "bead," through which the wire thread is placed. * Colors: Multiple colors available (see photos). When choosing your color, please refer to the primary color (or the color at the top nearest to the clasp), i.e. the photo shows black as the primary color. * Gemstones: Multiple gemstones (nuggets) available (see list). For example, the photo shows a turquoise, which is significant for spirituality, purification, wisdom, and other positive meanings for the wearer. * Length: Outermost (longest) strand measures 34 inches (Opera Style). Necklace comes in a jute-tied jewelry gift box, complete with a card which describes the necklace, i.e. the cedar beads and the gem. Gift wrapping available - just let me know what the occasion is along with other details.
